A Hero of Our Time

Lermontov’s only novel, A Hero of Our Time examines a weary and cynical man trapped in the futility of his age. Published in the early nineteenth century, it was to prove a hugely influential work for many subsequent Russian writers. Despite his obvious talents and natural abilities, Pechorin is restless and bored. Travelling from the civilised world of society drawing rooms, to the wilds of the Southern Caucasus, he embarks upon a quest for motivation and stimulation. But rather than finding the impetus he so craves, he instead becomes increasingly alienated from those around him. Sickened by the condition of his times, he chooses to reject a life of morality. This study of a man - and a society - in crisis was to become one of the most important books of its time.